Holy Father Names Member Bishop of Metuchen

Monsignor James F. Checchio, priest of the Diocese of Camden and former rector of the Pontifical North American College (PNAC) in Rome, has been named the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen, New Jersey. His installation to the Office of Bishop is scheduled for May 3, 2016. He succeeds Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski, whose resignation was accepted by the Holy Father when Bishop Bootkoski reached retirement age.

A member of the Canon Law Society since 1993, Bishop-elect Checchio earned his licentiate and doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas (Angelicum) in Rome. Since his ordination in 1992, he has held numerous pastoral roles, including parish vicar, defender of the bond in the tribunal of Camden, director of the Diocesan Public Relations and Communications Office, parish administrator, and moderator of the Curia. Bishop-elect Checchio served as rector of PNAC from January 2006 to January 2016, during which time he graciously hosted a number of CLSA officials who were visiting dicasteries in Rome.

Please join the Society in extending both warm congratulations to Bishop-elect Checchio and assured prayers for his new ministry!